New actors inject energy into classic

For Maralyn Ryan there are a lot of big changes at this year’s Citadel Theatre production of A Christmas Carol, now running until Thursday, Dec. 23.

Tom Wood not only created an astounding script for what was to become an Edmonton Christmas tradition, now celebrating its 11th season, but he also carved himself a role unlike any the local theatre scene had seen before. His unscrupulous Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser that ultimately redeems himself after visits from four ghostly apparitions, has become for many the definitive interpretation.

However, Wood is in the throes of a new creation. The Three Musketeers debuts at the Citadel in April 2011 and Wood is cast as Cardinal Richelieu.

To fill Wood’s mighty shoes, artistic director Bob Baker has attracted Richard McMillan, one of Canada’s finest actors. No stranger to the Citadel, McMillan last appeared in Fire.

“He’s made us all rediscover the play in a new way,” says Ryan, founding artistic director of St. Albert Children’s Theatre. She plays Mrs. Dilber, Scrooge’s long-suffering housekeeper who is often on the receiving end of his tart tongue and legendary stinginess.

Physically Wood and McMillan are polar opposites. While Wood is short and compact, McMillan is a lanky six-footer. “But both Richard and Tom take the script and build something from it. They take who they are and sculpt the character that becomes them,” Ryan explains.

John Wright, who returns to fill Scrooge’s role during the day performances, takes more of an “organic” approach. “He has more qualities of that character,” chuckles Ryan.

This is also Ryan’s 10th anniversary in the role of Mrs. Dilber and there’s a joyful tone in her voice that’s been absent from other productions.

“A number of new people have brought a new vitality and the action crackles with electricity every moment of the play.”

This year, not only has Ryan’s daughter Kate landed the role of Mrs. Cratchit, but also granddaughter Emma Wilmott is part of the children’s chorus playing multiple roles as a rich girl, street urchin and party girl.

“The biggest difference is having my granddaughter on stage. She’s committed and loving every moment of it. She pursued the role aggressively and is the most serious one here,” says Ryan.

Although the veteran actress has carved a memorable theatrical name, she was tormented for many years by the lack of support from her own parents, and is determined to give Wilmott every available nugget of assistance.

As Ryan puts it, “My 10th season couldn’t be better. My family is with me and this play truly grabs the mind and opens the heart. We owe it to Dickens. He created a great story and there is something in it that continues to be connected to our lives today.”

After every performance, actors from A Christmas Carol will pass the hat for spare change with proceeds going to the Edmonton Food Bank.

Tickets range from $62 to $92. Call 780-425-1820 or online at www.citadeltheatre.com